Redbone Coonhound
Solid red all over, and one of the few coonhounds bred for looks as well as work. It trails raccoon at night, and it takes swamp and mountain equally.
Photo by Thewhiteelk, CC BY 3.0
Overview
The Redbone is the solid red American coonhound, developed in the American south from Scottish and Irish hounds and named for a breeder called Peter Redbone rather than for the colour, which is a coincidence.
It is a versatile hound, working raccoon, bear, cougar and deer, and it is unusual among coonhounds in being a strong swimmer and comfortable in water and on difficult terrain.
Temperament
Even tempered, affectionate and thoroughly nose driven. Redbones are good with children, sociable with other dogs, and they are among the more even tempered coonhounds.
They are hounds. Recall on a scent is unreliable, the bay is loud, and they are stubborn in the specific way of understanding and declining. They do badly alone and they want company.
Care and grooming
A short smooth coat, a weekly brush. The ears need weekly cleaning.
The working gene pool has kept the breed sound. Hip dysplasia occurs, and bloat is a real risk in a deep chested hound. Twelve to fifteen years.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day with scent work.
Secure fencing and a lead. They are a poor choice for close housing because of the voice and an excellent one for a rural household that will hunt or trail with them.
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